The More Modern Coconut Lagoon

After being open for 13 years Coconut Lagoon has had much-needed renovations to interior and exterior of the restaurant. The South Indian restaurant now has a modern exterior, with dark wood paneled walls and neutral decor.

It was with much anticipation that I visited Coconut Lagoon to try the dishes of their award-winning chef-owner which I had surprisingly yet to visit. In the past few years, I’ve heard much of Chef Joe Thottungal culinary achievements, such as winning silver in 2017 and gold in 2016 representing Ottawa at the Canadian Culinary Championships. Thus, hearing the newly renovated restaurant now no longer looked like a dark former sports bar I was curious to visit.

Entrées range from $20-$27, and for lunch there is a $17.50 buffet. Visiting for dinner I order a chai and the lamb Thali which comes with 8 side dishes along with the lamb, rice, and porathas (a flat bread). For someone like myself who enjoys trying a bunch of small dishes, I highly enjoyed the Thali in especially the tender lamb, and the pleasant mix of sour, sweet and mildly spicy side dishes.

I enjoyed my visit, finding the staff very attentive and the food very plentiful. While certainly a bit more pricey than other Indian restaurants in Ottawa the award-winning chef offers a refined flavor and now a sleeker dining environment that is sure to appeal to more people.